CLC And Coalition Troops Celebrate Iraqi Police Graduation
Baghdad
The spotlight was squarely on the Iraqi police during the 86th annual Iraqi Police Day on January 9th. Over a thousand trainees were graduating, from both the recruit police training and the regular police training.
Interior Minister Jawad Al Bolani stated, “We must continue to not allow sectarianism or partisanship to develop in the employee ranks.â€Â “We must think and act as Iraqi Citizens first and foremost,†said Bolani. Bolani spoke to over two thousands spectators and family members at the police graduation.
Bolani spoke of the progress among groups, Concerned Citizens organizations, and awakening local village leaders and councils. “This is the first beginnings, the first spark,†said Bolani. “Our people are fighting back successfully against Al-Qaida terrorism and ideology,†remarked Minister Bolani.
The cooperation between the various citizen groups is working to slowly retake Iraq from the violence and disorder, which has marked the country since the fall of Saddam Hussein. “Citizens working together are providing the vital link,†said Bolani.
The Iraqi Police force has increased dramatically over the last several years. It has gone from sixty six thousand to nearly two hundred seventy six thousand members today. New units added recently include SWAT teams, Police and canine units that search for contraband, and an EMT response unit. “With more and more police officers being trained, we will have the ability to enforce laws and provide security,†said Bolani.
Also new this year was a police demonstration of a robot operated explosive demolition team. Previously the Iraqi police did not have a demolition team, or robots to operate.
